DESCRIPTION:

An exegetical study of the rich yet enigmatic letter to the Colossians based on its Greek text. The course aims (1) to enable students to sharpen the appropriate skills for interpreting a New Testament letter; (2) to analyze the overall structure of the letter and its argument; (3) to engage in in-depth study of key sections of the text; (4) to reflect on questions of authorship, setting, relation to other letters in the Pauline Corpus, and purposes; (5) to investigate the letter's theological perspectives; (6) to become familiar with recent significant secondary literature on Colossians; and (7) to explore issues of hermeneutics and critical appropriation.

Colossians' perspective on the person of Christ and the cosmic scope of his work, on union with Christ, and on Christian existence in the world are of vital significance for contemporary theology and the life of the Church, and contribute to a stance that offers an alternative to notions of wisdom and spirituality in our contemporary culture.

The format for this intensive two-week course with four-hour daily meetings will consist of a mixture of lectures and class discussions on the text, surrounding issues, and questions of application.

Dunn, J. D. G. The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon. NIGTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Barclay, J. M. G. Colossians and Philemon. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997. This provides an excellent guide.

Further guidance will be offered in class on other recommended commentaries and monographs.

1. Translation of the Greek text of Colossians, including test in class.

2. A short paper describing succinctly a major theme and suggesting its significance for contemporary theology or church life.

3. A longer exegetical paper on a selected passage.

LG512; NE502; NS501.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Exegesis (NTE).

None.